What Resetting a Windows Computer Does

A Windows reset removes all your personal files, programs, and settings, then reinstalls a fresh copy of Windows. The reset process gives you two choices: keep your files and remove only programs and settings, or erase everything and start completely fresh. Most people choose the full reset when their computer is running slowly, infected with malware, or about to be given away.

Before you reset, understand that this action cannot be undone. Any photo, document, email, or program not backed up elsewhere will be gone. Windows will ask you to confirm multiple times, but once the reset begins, there is no stopping it partway through. The whole process typically takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer's speed and which reset option you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting, because a full reset deletes everything on your computer.
  • Windows offers two reset paths: "Keep my files" removes programs and settings but preserves documents and photos, while "Remove everything" erases the entire drive.
  • You can start a reset from Settings > System > Recovery without needing a Windows disc or USB drive in most cases.
  • The reset process requires your computer to restart multiple times and can take one to two hours, so plug in your power adapter and plan to leave it alone.
  • After the reset completes, you will need to sign in with a Microsoft account or local account and reinstall any programs you want to keep.

Back Up Your Files Before You Start

The single most important step is backing up anything you want to keep. Open File Explorer and look at your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders. Copy these to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. If you use Outlook or another email program, export your emails and contacts first—they do not always transfer automatically.

Check your browser bookmarks too. In Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, look for an option to export bookmarks (usually under Settings or Preferences). If you have programs with important data—accounting software, design files, or anything custom-built for your work—save those files separately as well. This step takes 15 to 30 minutes but saves you from permanent loss.

Choose Between Keeping Files or Removing Everything

Windows gives you two reset options, and the choice depends on why you are resetting. Choose "Keep my files" if your computer is slow or buggy but you want to preserve your documents, photos, and videos. This option removes all installed programs and resets Windows settings to defaults, but your personal files stay on the drive. This is the faster, safer choice if you are unsure.

Choose "Remove everything" if you are selling or giving away the computer, suspect a serious malware infection, or want a completely clean slate. This option erases the entire drive and reinstalls Windows from scratch. It takes longer and leaves you with nothing but a blank Windows installation, but it is the most thorough. If you are concerned about data recovery after removal, Windows offers an option to fully clean the drive, which takes additional time but makes old files harder to recover.

Start the Reset from Settings

Open the Start menu and type "Reset this PC" into the search box. Click the result that says "Reset this PC" under Settings. Windows will open the Recovery page. Look for the section labeled "Reset this PC" and click the button that says "get your free guide." Windows will ask you which option you want: "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." Select your choice.

If you chose "Keep my files," Windows will show you a list of programs that will be removed. Review this list to make sure you are not losing anything you need. If you chose "Remove everything," Windows will ask whether you want to remove files locally or fully clean the drive. For most home users, the local removal is sufficient and faster. Click Next to continue.

Complete the Reset Process

Windows will show you a summary of what is about to happen. Read it carefully, then click "Reset" to begin. Your computer will restart, and you will see a progress screen. Do not turn off your computer or unplug it during this time. The reset can take 30 minutes to two hours depending on your drive size and computer speed. Leave your computer plugged in and do not use it for anything else.

Your computer will restart several times during the process. Each time it restarts, you will see a progress bar or spinning circle. This is normal. Eventually, Windows will finish and ask you to set up your computer as if it were brand new. You will choose your region, language, and keyboard layout, then sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account. After sign-in, Windows will install drivers and updates, which can take another 15 to 30 minutes.

What to Do After the Reset Completes

Once Windows finishes updating, you have a clean computer with no programs except the ones that came with Windows. Restore your backed-up files by copying them from your external drive or cloud storage back to your Documents, Pictures, or other folders. If you backed up emails, import them back into Outlook or your email program using the import function.

Reinstall the programs you actually use. Go to the official websites for each program—Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, antivirus software, or whatever else you need—and read fresh copies. Do not reinstall programs you no longer use; this keeps your computer cleaner and faster. Windows Update will run automatically in the background to read security patches, so leave your computer on and connected to the internet for at least an hour after the reset.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If your computer gets stuck on a progress screen for more than three hours, it may have frozen. Wait at least four hours before assuming it is stuck, because large drives can take that long. If it truly appears frozen, hold the power button for 10 seconds to shut it down, then turn it back on. Windows will usually resume the reset process where it left off.

If you forgot your password and cannot sign in after the reset, you can create a new local account instead of using your Microsoft account. Click "I forgot my password" on the sign-in screen and follow the prompts. If you are using a Microsoft account and cannot remember the password, go to account.microsoft.com on another device, click "Sign in," then "Can't access your account," and follow the recovery steps. You will need access to your backup email or phone number to verify your identity.

If your computer will not start the reset process at all, make sure you have at least 10 gigabytes of free space on your drive. If your drive is nearly full, delete large files or programs first, then try again. If the reset still will not start, restart your computer and try the process again from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my Windows computer without losing my files?

Yes. Choose the "Keep my files" option when the reset begins. This removes all programs and resets settings to defaults, but your documents, photos, and videos stay on the computer. You will need to reinstall programs afterward.

How long does a full reset take?

A full reset usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your drive size and computer speed. Your computer will restart multiple times. Leave it plugged in and do not interrupt the process.

What if I change my mind after the reset starts?

Once the reset begins and your computer restarts, you cannot stop it. This is why backing up your files first is critical. If you have not started the reset yet, you can close the Settings window and cancel.

Do I need a Windows disc or USB drive to reset my computer?

No. Most computers can reset using the built-in Recovery option in Settings. You only need a disc or USB drive if your computer will not start at all or if the reset fails multiple times.

Will resetting remove viruses and malware?

A full reset ("Remove everything") will remove most malware because it erases and reinstalls the entire drive. However, if malware is on an external drive or in cloud storage, it can return. After resetting, install antivirus software and scan any external drives before copying files back.